Arcturus Therapeutics, J&J Partner on RNA Medicine Development

Arcturus Therapeutics, a leading RNA medicines company, announced it has entered into a research collaboration and worldwide license agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Janssen), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. The two companies will work together to develop and commercialize nucleic acid-based drug products for the treatment of Hepatitis B, using Arcturus’ UNA Oligomer chemistry and LUNAR™ lipid-mediated delivery platform. The agreement also includes an option to expand into other infectious and respiratory diseases. The deal was facilitated by the Johnson & Johnson Innovation center, in California.

Under the agreement, Arcturus will receive an upfront cash payment, R&D support, and pre-clinical, development, and sales milestone payments, as well as royalty payments on any future licensed product sales. Janssen will assume responsibility for development costs and all commercialization costs associated with the program.

“This new collaboration signifies an expanded relationship between Arcturus and Janssen,” said Joseph Payne, President and CEO of Arcturus. “Arcturus’ expertise and intellectual property in the field of RNA medicines is complemented by Janssen’s broad capabilities in clinical development, regulatory affairs, and marketing. Together we aim to bring new treatments to patients who are suffering from Hepatitis B and potentially other infectious diseases.”